The stock market refers to a place where shares or ownership stakes in companies are issued and traded either through exchanges or over-the-counter markets. It provides an opportunity for investors to buy, sell or trade these securities, which can be listed on various stock exchanges globally. The prices of these securities fluctuate based on the demand and supply forces in the market, and this helps determine the value of a company's shares. Investing in the stock market is one way to grow wealth over time as it provides an opportunity for capital appreciation if the investment performs well. However, there are also risks associated with investing in the stock market such as volatility or sudden drops in prices that can lead to losses.